Everything You Need To Know About Secondary Glazing
If you’re looking to boost comfort, reduce energy bills, and preserve period charm without replacing your existing windows, secondary glazing might be the ideal solution. At Window Revive, we specialise in high-quality, aluminium-framed secondary glazing installations, perfect for Shrewsbury homes with original sash or casement windows. Here’s everything you need to know, from what secondary glazing is, to how it compares to double glazing, and what to expect in terms of cost.
What Is Secondary Glazing?
Secondary glazing involves adding a slim, internal window, typically in aluminium, behind your existing one. Unlike double glazing, there’s no need to replace your original frames, making it an ideal option for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas. Window Revive uses robust, sleek profiles from Granada, ensuring minimal visual impact with maximum performance.
Primary Benefits of Secondary Glazing
1. Thermal Efficiency & Energy Savings
Secondary glazing drastically reduces heat loss, by around 65%, according to Window Revive, creating a warmer, cosy environment within existing windows. Though it doesn’t quite reach the efficiency of full double glazing, it does significantly boost your home’s energy performance.
2. Superior Acoustic Insulation
When it comes to noise reduction, secondary glazing shines. With a larger air gap than double glazing, it can reduce external noise by up to 80%, making it an excellent choice for busy street-facing rooms .
3. Enhanced Security & Protection
By adding an extra glass pane, secondary glazing strengthens your window, making it more resistant to break-ins. The discreet internal frame doesn’t compromise your original window’s exterior appearance.
Secondary Glazing vs Double Glazing
When comparing secondary glazing vs double glazing, the main differences lie in cost, performance, and suitability. Secondary glazing is generally more cost effective. In contrast, double glazing typically costs more, making it a more significant investment. In terms of thermal performance, double glazing does offer better insulation, but secondary glazing still delivers impressive results, reducing heat loss by up to 65% and saving an estimated £75 annually on energy bills.
Noise reduction is where secondary glazing truly excels. Thanks to the larger air gap between panes, it can reduce noise by up to 80%, outperforming many double glazed systems. Installation is also another key differentiator. Secondary glazing is quicker and far less invasive, often completed in a single day without disturbing existing frames. Double glazing, on the other hand, requires full window replacement, which can be time consuming and disruptive.
Visually, secondary glazing maintains your original windows’ aesthetic, ideal for heritage or listed properties, whereas double glazing alters the window’s external appearance unless special heritage frames are used. For homes where preserving period charm is a priority, or where planning restrictions apply, secondary glazing is often the preferred choice. It offers a perfect balance between performance, affordability, and compliance with conservation guidelines.
Secondary Glazing Costs vs Double Glazing
The price for secondary glazing varies based on window size, style, and installation type. But recent estimations show that average cost can range between £300 to £500 per window. For example, a full installation for a typical three-bedroom house (8–10 windows) can average around £3,600. By contrast, full double glazing might cost over £6,000 for the same home. This makes secondary glazing a cost-effective upgrade, offering nearly half the price with strong performance benefits. However, for the most accurate prices, it’s always recommended to request a quote. You can simply get in touch with us via our online form and request for secondary glazing costs.
Types of Secondary Glazing
Window Revive offers several options equipped with high spec features.
• Horizontal sliding units: Great for accessibility, cleaning, and ventilation, making them ready to slot behind most window types.
• Vertical sliding units: Designed for traditional sash windows, these include various configurations like SlidePast and Tilt-In Balanced Vertical Sliders, which offer easy cleaning and use.
These profiles are factory-lubricated and with low-maintenance properties, only annual cleaning is required to maintain smooth operation.
Who Should Consider Secondary Glazing?
• Listed property owners: Secondary glazing preserves external aesthetics while improving performance, in most cases without needed planning permission, making them a great option for listed property owners.
• Noise sensitive households: For peace and quiet, secondary glazing often outperforms double glazing.
• Budget conscious renovators: Receive notable energy savings and comfort gains at a lower cost.
• Upgrading older windows: Perfect for boosting thermal performance without full replacements.
Is Secondary Glazing Right for You?
If you are asking whether secondary glazing is the right option for you and your home, you need to consider whether you need to replace your original windows. If your budget is smaller but you still would like to upgrade your windows, secondary glazing is the right option for you. If you are also living in a heritage area or a listed building where external appearance must remain unchanged. If you answered “yes” to any of these, secondary glazing is likely your ideal solution.
Why Choose Window Revive?
As a FENSA registered, family-run double glazing specialist with 25 years of experience in Shrewsbury and surrounding areas, we install premium Granada secondary glazing with aluminium profiles that offer above industry avarage slimline and durable solutions. With our comprehensive insurance backed 10 year guarantee from Homepro, you are also promised an expert installation with minimal disruption to your home.
When weighing options between secondary glazing, secondary glazing vs double glazing, and the secondary glazing cost, it’s clear secondary glazing offers strong returns including lower cost, excellent thermal and acoustic performance, and preservation of original window heritage. If you are looking to understand what secondary glazing is or considering the best energy-efficient yet cost effective option for your Shrewsbury home, Window Revive offers expert advice and quality installation for homeowners across Shrewsbury and beyond. Visit our showroom or contact us to get started.
